Though expelled, I earned friendship: Miss Tibet

Dharamsala, Feb 27 (IANS) It came as a shock
initially, but Miss Tibet Tashi Yangchen, who was
recently expelled from the Miss World Tourism Pageant,
has boldly taken it in her stride.

"I have not come to create political propaganda, I
told them," the 24-year-old computer engineer from
Sikkim told IANS in an interview, when she returned to
India after being barred from the pageant, allegedly
after pressure from the Chinese government.

"For me participating in Miss Tourism world pageant
meant to promote peace, harmony and tourism among all.
I was shocked (then), but I acted cool," said
Yangchen, who was chosen from Tibetan exiles from
around the world.

Miss World Tourism Pageant, a British production by
John Singh, had its finals scheduled for Saturday in
Zimbabwe. It saw the participation of representatives
from about 90 countries.

Yangchen, who had landed Feb 13 in Zimbabwe, was
informed of her dismissal by the organisers Feb 16
citing objection from the Chinese embassy in Harare.

"I was quite excited (since) it was an international
competition. It would enable me to build new friendly
relations with girls from various countries," Yangchen
said.

"(On Feb 16,) all the girls were assembled with their
luggage near the reception waiting for a bus to take
us to the Victoria Falls. I was called to the corner
by John Singh. He told me that the Chinese were
pressurising him."

"I told him I did not come there to create political
propaganda. I was a part of the pageant to increase
harmony and propagate peace."

She may not have been able to participate, but
Yangchen does not feel the trip was a waste.

"My trip to Zimbabwe, even though short, was complete
and satisfying. I didn't lose anything, but earned
friendship and learned what Zimbabwe is all about. I
am happy about my trip," she bravely said.